Using 'Dominance' To Explain Dog Behavior Is Old Hat

[gcruse]

Using 'Dominance' To Explain Dog Behavior Is Old Hat

ScienceDaily (May 25, 2009) — A new study shows how the behaviour of dogs has been misunderstood for generations: in fact using misplaced ideas about dog behaviour and training is likely to cause rather than cure unwanted behaviour.  The findings challenge many of the dominance related interpretations of behaviour and training techniques suggested by current TV dog trainers.

...

“Sadly, many techniques used to teach a dog that his owner is leader of the pack is counter-productive; you won’t get a better behaved dog, but you will either end up with a dog so fearful it has suppressed all its natural behaviours and will just do nothing, or one so aggressive it’s dangerous to be around.”

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm

[And yeah, I know 'many techniques ... is counter-productive' is ungrammatical.  Another case of MSM's multilayered editting.  LOL]

[Lord Undies]

Dr Rachel Casey, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare at Bristol University, said: “The blanket assumption that every dog is motivated by some innate desire to control people and other dogs is frankly ridiculous.  It hugely underestimates the complex communicative and learning abilities of dogs. It also leads to the use of coercive training techniques, which compromise welfare, and actually cause problem behaviours.

Another ridiculous assumption is that dogs are not their own individuals.  I've had dogs all my life.  One thing I know for sure is that dogs have their own personalities and you can't treat them all the same an expect any kind of rewarding relationship.

My "secret" has always been to treat my dogs like I treat children.  I love them, play with them, scold them, respect them, and forgive them.  I've gotten a lot of love in return.

(God bless my Luke.  I miss him so.) 

[gcruse]

My "secret" has always been to treat my dogs like I treat children.  I love them, play with them, scold them, respect them, and forgive them.  I've gotten a lot of love in return. 

Indeed.  My mini-doxie, Clara, was my fur kid for fifteen years.  We knew each other like a book.  Everything we did was a ritual.  Now I have a shelter rescue, Becca, a border collie who thinks I am her flock.  She is polar opposite to Clara.  No two dogs are ever alike.  Oftentimes, not even remotely.

[Lord Undies]

Indeed.  My mini-doxie, Clara, was my fur kid for fifteen years.  We knew each other like a book.  Everything we did was a ritual.  Now I have a shelter rescue, Becca, a border collie who thinks I am her flock.  She is polar opposite to Clara.  No two dogs are ever alike.  Oftentimes, not even remotely.

My luke was a mini poodle.  He was 14 when he died on the 9th.  I was that dog's world.  He wanted me in his sight at all times.  He would pace and mope when I wasn't at home.  Luke was an amazing smart dog.  He was great at communication.  He used logic.  He never had a problem getting his point across.  I so regret our time togther is over.  I will always hold the memories dear and I know my life is richer for having loved him.

[EastFacingNorth]

Another ridiculous assumption is that dogs are not their own individuals.  I've had dogs all my life.  One thing I know for sure is that dogs have their own personalities and you can't treat them all the same an expect any kind of rewarding relationship.

My "secret" has always been to treat my dogs like I treat children.  I love them, play with them, scold them, respect them, and forgive them.  I've gotten a lot of love in return.

(God bless my Luke.  I miss him so.) 

It would seem to me that the rationale behind treating dogs as interchangable, rather than as distinct in personality, isn't an assumption that such is truly the case so much as the same rationale that employers use to justify treating their employees that way - it's expedient.

The notion of a dog as a companion animal, rather than as a working animal, is fairly recent.  To this day, the few owners of large kennels that I've met still operate largely in the fashion you've described simply because it works.  (On the other hand, I've yet to meet a small kennel owner that does it that way.)

[Daisy]

Indeed.  My mini-doxie, Clara, was my fur kid for fifteen years.  We knew each other like a book.  Everything we did was a ritual.  Now I have a shelter rescue, Becca, a border collie who thinks I am her flock.  She is polar opposite to Clara.  No two dogs are ever alike.  Oftentimes, not even remotely.

I wish I had a dog in this fight; A big white German Shephard named Bob, who would sit beside me before a roaring fire...   Sadly, I do not.
Heh.

[Lord Undies]

I wish I had a dog in this fight; A big white German Shephard named Bob, who would sit beside me before a roaring fire...   Sadly, I do not.
Heh.

You can make your dream come true.  Visit an animal shelter and rescue a doomed doggy.  You will both be better for it.

 :innocent:

[AllosaursRus]

Well aint this just amazing? Anyone else watch the dog whisperer? Seems to me that is EXACTLY what he teaches. Be the dominant personality in order to get the dog to do what you want. Hmmmmmmmmm seems it sure works for me. I have 3 dogs, they think I'm the "pack leader", the "head dick"!

Funny how that works. Wonder if this idiot even owns a dog? Wonder what kind? Probly a "kickin'" dog, I doubt it has it's balls, either!

[Daisy]

You can make your dream come true.  Visit an animal shelter and rescue a doomed doggy.  You will both be better for it.

 :innocent:

That would be nice. But in my dream Bob never needs shots or other visits to a vet, no grooming, etc etc. Having raised 3 kids who are out and on their own, I'm enjoying a life free of responsibilities other than for myself. (That of course could change.)
 

[Lord Undies]

That would be nice. But in my dream Bob never needs shots or other visits to a vet, no grooming, etc etc. Having raised 3 kids who are out and on their own, I'm enjoying a life free of responsibilities other than for myself. (That of course could change.)
 

My kids are long gone too, but I can't imagine my life without someone (some doggy) who needs me.  And who I need.

Yes, I am in the October of life, and I will not replace my dogs, and it would be nice to be able to come and go without having to make arrangements for their care, but right now I can't bring myself to live without those sweet brown eyes of innocence waiting to see me. 

[AllosaursRus]

My kids are long gone too, but I can't imagine my life without someone (some doggy) who needs me.  And who I need.

Yes, I am in the October of life, and I will not replace my dogs, and it would be nice to be able to come and go without having to make arrangements for their care, but right now I can't bring myself to live without those sweet brown eyes of innocence waiting to see me. 

I love dogs, it's people I can't stand! If it weren't for my puppies, I think I'd go insane! They keep me on an even keel. Besides, I don't think I could go to the dump without them. The REAL dump, not the DUmpster, heh, heh!

[Daisy]

I like dogs too. Also some people. Other people can be tolerated or ignored....Heh.

[gcruse]

I like dogs too. Also some people. Other people can be tolerated or ignored....Heh.

I saw a picture of a dog exactly like mine with her head stuck down the toilet bowl drinking water.
Thankfully, my dog doesn't do that.  She can't.  I was trained by previous owner to always leave the seat and toilet lid down.  Too bad for doggie.

[AllosaursRus]

I saw a picture of a dog exactly like mine with her head stuck down the toilet bowl drinking water.
Thankfully, my dog doesn't do that.  She can't.  I was trained by previous owner to always leave the seat and toilet lid down.  Too bad for doggie.

Heh! Mine drink out of the porcelain bowl all the time! I do tend to keep it as clean as possible, but it sure looks like they prefer the fresh water.